Pubdate: Tue, 01 Dec 2015
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Mark Conlin
Page: A9
TIME TO PAY SOME ATTENTION TO HOW MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION WILL BE DONE
Over this past year, as an organizer for Sensible BC, I have
contacted representatives of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the
Central Okanagan Parent Advisory Council and - repeatedly - Premier
Christy Clark's office, with the offer to meet and discuss the
ramifications of the impending marijuana legalization.
As an organization, Sensible BC has medical professionals, clinical
researchers, growers, patients and dispensary representatives that
can provide the necessary expertise which allow our communities to
transition from prohibition to a legal, regulated industry. Thus far,
none of those contacted have shown any interest in discussing this issue.
This strikes me as being very short-sighted. This is, even as it
currently exists, a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada. How will
it work when legal? Will there be local jobs? How will it be
distributed? What about the taxation rate? Can we grow it personally?
What about medical needs?
As you can see, there's a lot of things that will need to be
addressed and they are all issues that must be determined at the
provincial and municipal levels.
Seems like there's always been a lot of concern expressed over public
safety and health when it comes to cannabis. Now, when it's really
important that we address those concerns, those parties with the
greatest stake appear to prefer burying their heads rather than
working together in coming up with a viable system. For the record,
the offer stands.
Mark Conlin, organizer, Sensible BC,
West Kelowna
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom